This curry house style base curry sauce will get you the results you're looking for!
Visit the kitchen of any busy curry house and you are almost certain to see a large saucepan of curry sauce/gravy simmering away on the stove. This sauce is used as a base for most of the restaurant’s curries.
About the base curry sauce.
Each restaurant has their own special recipe but they are usually quite similar. The base sauce makes it possible for chefs to cook, plate and serve many different curries quickly and easily.
This smooth base curry sauce is just one of the things that give British Indian restaurant (BIR) style curries their distinctive flavour and texture that is loved by so many.
Jump to:
- This curry house style base curry sauce will get you the results you're looking for!
- About the base curry sauce.
- What exactly is a base curry sauce?
- Why does the base sauce need to be kept simple?
- Why use a base sauce?
- So you never add stronger flavours to a base sauce?
- Ingredients
- Step by Step Photographs
- Equipment
- Storage
- What size containers should you freeze the base sauce in?
- Top Tip
- FAQ
- Related
- How to use your base sauce.
- How To Make Indian Restaurant Curry Sauce
What exactly is a base curry sauce?
I like to describe the base curry sauce as a fancy vegetable stock. It doesn’t have a lot of flavour though it does taste good.
Add some tandoori chicken, cumin, garam masala, a large heap or two of chili powder, mango chutney and a few other ingredients and you’ve got yourself a chicken madras.
Keep the chilli powder to a minimum and add some cream, block coconut, rose water and a dusting of cardamom powder and voila… a fragrant chicken korma.
The most important thing to take away is that it's a simple sauce. There should not be any strong or spicy flavours in it.
Why does the base sauce need to be kept simple?
You might have seen some recipes on the internet or books that require a lot more ingredients. That is completely defeating the purpose of making and using a base curry sauce! You might even see recipes that call for coconut milk, cream, fresh coriander, chillies and chilli powder and even tamarind. Although tasty, you should add ingredients like these when you make the different curry house style curries.
The base sauce is meant to be a bit bland. It's a base! It should not have a lot of flavour because the idea is to build on the subtle flavours that are in it.
Add too many other, stronger flavoured or creamy ingredients and all of your curries will taste the same. Let your base curry sauce work it's magic as you introduce other ingredients when you are making the different curries. You can use a simple, base curry sauce like this in every curry, from the mildest korma to the spiciest phall.
Why use a base sauce?
The answer to this question is simple. It's the best way you will achieve authentic and perfect curry house style curries at home.
When you have a base curry sauce (or gravy) on hand, you can literally prepare your favourite restaurant style curries in minutes. There is no need to slowly fry chopped onions and add other ingredients to form a base masala for your curry because all that work has been done ahead of time.
You can, however achieve amazing curry house style curries without a base sauce as I show in my series of no base curry house style curries here.
So you never add stronger flavours to a base sauce?
Never say never! If you are preparing this base curry sauce and you know what you like, then go ahead and add more ingredients. Make it creamy with cream. Stir in some coconut milk or add chillies to give it a kick.
However, if you are making your base sauce and want to whip up curries in minutes for friends, it's best to keep it simple. That is what they do at every curry house I have been to, learning from the chefs. They keep the sauce mild but flavoursome and then use it in all their curries from mild to spicy. Mild and flavoursome is what you are going to get from this base curry sauce recipe!
Ingredients
Get all your ingredients together before you start cooking. It's easier that way.
- onions, roughly chopped
- salt
- rapeseed (canola) oil*
- carrots, peeled and chopped
- green cabbage, roughly chopped
- red (bell) pepper, deseeded and diced
- green (bell) pepper, deseeded and diced
- tinned (canned) chopped tomatoes, or about 4 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped
- garlic and ginger paste
- garam masala
- ground cumin
- ground coriander
- paprika
- ground fenugreek (optional)
- ground turmeric
See recipe card for quantities.
Step by Step Photographs
As you will see from the photos below, the base curry sauce is quite simple to prepare. Take some time to do it and you will be amazed at how authentic your curry house style curries are!
- Step 1: Fry the onions in the oil for a few minutes to soften. You can add a pinch of salt which will bring out the moisture and cook them faster.
- Step 2: Add the carrots, cabbage and bell peppers to the pot and give them a quick fry in the oil.
- Step 3: Add the garlic and ginger paste and stir it all up to combine.
- Step 4: Then add the paprika, ground coriander, cumin, garam masala, fenugreek and turmeric.
- Step 5: Pour in just enough water to cover the veggies. You should leave about 2 inches at the top.
- Step 6: Slowly bring the base stock to a simmer.
- Step 9: Cover the pot with a lid and simmer gently over a medium heat for about 45 minutes.
- Step 8: You want to blend until really smooth. At this stage, the base curry sauce will be quite thick. Time to thin it some! Note: If you are freezing the sauce, freeze it before thinning it with water to conserve freezer space.
- Step 9: Begin blending the sauce. This can also be done in a countertop blender if more convenient.
- Step 10: You want to blend until really smooth. At this stage, the base curry sauce will be quite thick. Time to thin it some! Note: If you are freezing the sauce, freeze it before thinning it with water to conserve freezer space.
- Step 9: Before adding the base curry sauce to a curry, you need to thin it some. Add water or stock to thin the sauce.
- Step 10: It should be creamy and smooth, about the same consistency as full fat (whole) milk.
Equipment
A large heavy bottomed pot: I use a 6 litre pot for this recipe. Sometimes I make more or less and use a larger or smaller pot.
A Blender: Personally I prefer using a stick blender but you could also use a counter top blender.
Storage
Your homemade base sauce will keep, covered in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. In fact, it will get better as the flavours develop. So this really is a job you can get out of the way early for your next curry night. Just be sure to heat it up in a pot before adding to your curries.
You can also freeze the sauce for up to 6 months
What size containers should you freeze the base sauce in?
That's really up to you and how you wish to use it.
Most of the recipe in my books and on this blog that call for base curry sauce serve 2 to 4. These recipe call for anything between 500ml (2 cups) and 700ml (2 3/4 cups) of base sauce. That's the diluted sauce!
So if you want to have enough sauce to cook a curry for four at the ready, I recommend freezing the sauce, before diluting it in portions of 350ml (1 3/4 cups). Then diluted it with water, vegetable, chicken or meat stock when you heat it up to use in your curry.
That said, I also have a lot of recipes for curry house portions of my recipes on this site. These call for between 250ml and 300ml of base sauce and serve 1 - 2 people.
Top Tip
If you are freezing your base sauce, freeze it just after blending and before diluting with water. It will free up freezer space.
FAQ
This is probably the question I get asked most. Cabbage is not added to all base sauces and you really can’t taste it. You can add any green cabbage. It really isn’t all that important. Just don’t use red or purple cabbage.
This is another question I get asked a lot and the answer is YES! When you add the base sauce to a curry, it should be about the same consistency as cream or full fat milk. Because of all the vegetables in the sauce, it will cook down very quickly so it is important that the sauce be creamy smooth and thin. I usually freeze the sauce before diluting with water to free freezer space.
This is a base sauce recipe that is similar to those used at curry houses. The spices are more there for colour than flavour. The spicing of the curries is done when you make the actual curries. I have seen some chefs use nothing but oil, onions and garlic and ginger paste in their base sauces but the majority of chefs give their curries a bit of a head start by adding spices to the actual base sauce.
Related
You might not have the time to make the base curry sauce. So I have developed these two cheats that work really well.
How to use your base sauce.
You will find all the most popular curry house style curries on this site. Following are the top 10 to get you started:
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- How To Make Restaurant Style Chicken Korma
- Chicken Jalfrezi Curry
- How To Make Restaurant Style Lamb Rogan Josh
- How To Make Chicken Madras
- Restaurant Style Lamb Vindaloo Curry
- Saag Paneer
- How To Make British Indian Restaurant (BIR) Style Lamb Bhuna
- How To Make Chicken Dhansak
- Restaurant Style Chicken Chasni
How To Make Indian Restaurant Curry Sauce
Take some time to make this base curry sauce. Once it's made and you have it on hand, you can whip up all your favourite curry house style curries in minutes! From the mildest korma to the spiciest phaal, this is the base you need to make them just like you get at Indian restaurants.
Ingredients
- 900g (2lb/about 7 medium) onions, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 250ml (1 cup) rapeseed (canola) oil*
- 110g (4oz) carrots, peeled and chopped
- 60g (2oz) cabbage, roughly chopped
- 85g (3oz) red (bell) pepper, deseeded and diced
- 85g (3oz) green (bell) pepper, deseeded and diced
- 200g (1 cup) tinned (canned) chopped tomatoes, or about 4 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 5 tbsp garlic and ginger paste
- 1 1/2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 1/2 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 1/2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp ground fenugreek (optional)
- 1⁄2 tbsp ground turmeric
Instructions
- Place the onions in a 3-litre (3 US quart) stockpot over a medium heat and add the salt and oil. Give it a good stir and fry to soften the onions for about 3 minutes. Then add the remaining vegetables along with the garlic and ginger paste and stir them in to coat with the oil too.
- Add the ground spices and then pour in just enough water to cover. You will simmer this for some time, so do not fill the pan to the rim. The water level should be about 5cm (2in) from the top.
- Bring to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, covered, for about 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, your vegetables will be much softer and the liquid will have reduced somewhat. You probably won't need to add any liquid at this stage but keep an eye on it and top it up if you need too.
- Simmer for another 30 minutes. When the oil rises to the top and your veggies are good and soft, you’re ready to blend.
- Using a hand-held blender, blend for about 4 minutes until the sauce is super-smooth, with no chunks and not at all grainy. This step can be done in batches in a blender. If you have a good blender, you might not need to blend as long to achieve that smooth consistency.
- At this stage, the blended sauce will be quite thick (see note). Add water until the sauce is about the same consistency as full-fat (whole) milk or stock. Sometimes I need to pour the sauce into a larger bowl to do this.
- Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze in small portions of between 500ml (2 cups) and 750ml (31⁄4 cups) for use later. The sauce can be frozen for up to three months.
Notes
Freezing the base sauce.
If you are planning on freezing the base sauce, it is best to freeze it before diluting with water. This will save you freezer space. Then when you are ready to use the base sauce, let it defrost completely and heat it up in a pan. Dilute this thick sauce with water or stock until it is about the same consistency as full fat (whole) milk or single cream before using.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ed says
Hi Dan,
After exhausting our first lot of this, ust made a double batch, ready for anything!
Been scouting through the website for recipes I can cook up with this and found plenty, and thought it would be cool if there was a link for stuff you can do from this base gravy directly? Because I've got a big pot of sauce and lots of hungry friends!
Keep up the good work,
Ed
Dan Toombs says
Thank you Ed. Good idea. I'll work on that.
Dan
Yve says
Hi Dan,
I am trying your Chicken Madras curry recipe and just want to confirm that I don't need any curry in the base curry sauce (large batch) ?
Thank you very much,
Yve
Dan Toombs says
Hi Yve
Sorry but I don't understand your question. If you are asking if you need to use the base curry sauce, you do. It's easy to make. 🙂
Cheers,
Dan
Ben says
To clarify for people like me who were similarly confused, you can purchase a "Red Curry Powder" spice off the shelf at many grocery stores. I have one on my shelf, and was similarly confused why you didn't include it in your ingredient list, until I checked the ingredients of my "Red Curry Powder" spice, which are Coriander, Cumin, Chilli Pepper, Red Pepper and Cardamom. So your recipe has Coriander and Cumin, along with "Garam Masala" (which I also have on my shelf) whose ingredients are Coriander, Black Pepper, Cumin, Cardamom and Cinnamon.
So I think the OP was asking about "Red Curry Powder", which your recipe creates from more basic ingredients.
Lorna says
Thanks for this lovely recipe it was delicious x Made my family a curry for tea and they said it was the best ever!! Easy to make and excellent taste, thanks for sharing.
Dan Toombs says
Thank you very much Lorna. I'm really glad you liked the recipe.
Dan
Steve Ashdown says
Hi Dan.
Haven't done this yet. But just a quick question. Can you use Rapeseed oil instead of Ghee when it comes to the Turmeric stage?
Thanks
Steve.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Steve
You sure can. No problem.
Thanks,
Dan
Steve says
Hi dan when you say 10 large onions what would that be in say pounds
Dan Toombs says
Hi Steve
No idea I'm afraid. Just use ten onions slightly larger than tennis balls and you should be fine to go.
Dan
dave says
i once did deliveries for a indian restaurant / takeaway and they used the base gravy for just about any liquid for almost any curry,
Dan Toombs says
Hi Dave
That's how it's done. The gravy is great to have on hand.
Thanks,
Dan
Nicholas Cusack says
Hi ,
The video and writtwn recipe are different.
In the video . It states 750ml of oil where the written is 250. Also the end of the sauce in the video is halved. One half being frozen , the remaining topped with water and blended. Is thatbthe final curry base?
Cheers.
Nick
Dan Toombs says
There is no final base sauce Nicholas. I have a lot of them but they are all quite similar. 🙂
MinnJimm says
Question on Base sauce:
In your book and in you online recipe there is no mention of, after blending, freeze half (great idea) and then replace with water.
When you later thaw the frozen portion do you need to add equal amount of water (as you did in your video?
Thanks in advance
Dan Toombs says
I'm not sure I understand your question. I freeze my base sauce before adding water or stock. This saves freezer space. To use the base sauce in a curry, it needs to be diluted with water or stock until it is about the same consistency as full fat milk.
Hope this helps.
Dan
Lianne Greenwood says
hi dan just made this. was great. i used it take make the madras. but couldn’t seem to get the right consistency with the madras.. not sure if my base sauce is possibly too thick.? how would i correct this
Dan Toombs says
If you think the base sauce is too thick try adding more water.
Thanks
Dan
Lianne Greenwood says
hi dan. i have just made this and used it to make your chicken madras flavours were amazing.. but the texture was very grainy. which i think it from the base sauce.. any suggestions how to get the base gravy a smoother thinner texture
Dan Toombs says
It sounds like you didn't blend it for long enough so try blending for longer.
Thanks
Dan
Antony Wayne says
Hi Dan..
I have pre cooked my chicken, and am going to chicken, and sauce separately in the fridge, whilst l now am making the base gravy.
My question is, can l use the sauce from the pre cooked chicken, to cook another batch of chicken.
My problem been, l hate the chicken the temptation was too strong and l had only cooked enough for 1 serving as a trial, l am still going with a large amount of base gravy.
Regards Antony.
Dan Toombs says
Yes, I would say if you store the sauce correctly you could use it one more time.
Thanks
Dan
Stephen says
Looks like no-one else has found your ingredient list ambiguous - except me!
Please clarify (no pun intended):
Is it 9 tablespoons of garlic puree PLUS 9 tablespoons of ginger puree. OR 9 tablespoons of an equal quantities mix of both.
Thanks,
Stephen.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Stephen
It is a garlic/ginger paste. Hope this help. Just nine tablespoons garlic/ginger paste.
Thanks
Dan
brian nicholls says
dan you didnt make it clear about the garlic/ginger, is it 9 tbls of each or 4 1/2 tbls of each, it looks like 9 tbls of each which seems a lot of ginger
Dan Toombs says
Hi Brian
I have tried so hard to make this clear but always get asked. It is 9 tablespoon TOTAL. A mix of garlic and ginger paste. Hope this helps.
Dan
tony says
4 and a half of each
Anneliese says
Stephen, Indian groceries sell something called ginger garlic paste. You can make your own from equal parts of ginger and garlic and blend to a paste with water.
Sarah says
Asda sell it too
Richard Webb says
Dan
You didn’t answer the question about the oil. I’m making the base sauce from the (red) book and it says use 750ml (3 cups) of rapeseed oil and that’s what’s cooking. When I look here it says 250ml which is one cup.
I accept it’s skimmed off later but what amount should I be using please??
Dan Toombs says
Sorry Richard - I must have missed your question. I don't see it. I do both. You could just use 250ml and you will have a lot less flavoured oil to use. I usually use more and then use that in my curries. You could even use a lot less than 250ml which I do in my next book 'The Curry Guy Light'. Thanks, Dan
Richard Webb says
Thanks Dan.
Jo says
Have made this curry sauce and followed it up with Jalfrezi. It was delicious. The only negative is the amount of ginger but that's a personal preference. I will use less next time. Great website. Hoping there are more curries to come using the premade sauce.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Jo
Thank you. I have lots more recipe using the sauce on the way. 🙂
Dan
Graham says
Going to try and make this over the weekend, just one question, does it matter what type of cabbage you can use ?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Graham
Any cabbage will do just fine. Try to find the freshest available.
Cheers
Dan
Dave says
Hi, how exactly do you make the garlic and ginger pastes? Do you add a liquid? Can I use just grated garlic and ginger? Thanks
natalia says
Often one buys minced garlic and minced ginger in jars at the Indian food store, this might be what he meant.
It would work perfectly fine to grate or food process the garlic and ginger... as long as you get them fine.
Debbie says
I found several different brands of both garlic and ginger paste at an Indian grocery.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Debbie
There are quite a few. Always best to make your own though. I find commercial brands to vinegary.
Cheers
Dan
Frank campbell says
Me too,always best done fresh.thank you for your sauce mix I've been doing my own for some years now but this is now my new recipe.
Dan Toombs says
Thanks Frank. Great to hear.
Dan
Mark says
I've tried this recipe twice now, and it works! The second time, I put it in the blender and passed it through a sieve. Much smoother. Great curry! Thanks.
Dan Toombs says
Thanks Mark
Really glad you liked the recipe. Passing it through a seive is a good idea.
Cheers
Dan
Michelle says
Roughly how many servings does this make?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Michelle
Very roughly enough for about eight curries that serve four.
Dan
Thomas says
We must have done something wrong then. Ended up with enough for 3 recipies, not 8. Probably boiled out all the water or something accidently.
The saagwala we made with it was quite tasty though!
Dan Toombs says
Hi Thomas
I'll check that. Generally speaking, you get one (one person) curry per onion added. Sometimes I make a huge batch with 30. With this recipe, you should get about three to four curries that serve four.
Thanks
Dan
Janet says
So 32 portions?
Dan Toombs says
Roughly. 🙂
Dan
Stephen says
Hi Dan,
Cooked this on Tuesday night, when I added the Turmeric even the smell made me realise it was going to be a winner. Tried it with Garlic Chicken, the best Indian I have made at home by far. I have your ebook on my kindle which died- do you have any plans for a printed version and secondly I've looked at a few recipes now and can't find any that use the base curry. Could you point me in the right direction? God Bless, Stephen
Dan Toombs says
Hi Stephen
I'm really glad you like the recipe. My blog is being updated so that there are more recipes that use the curry sauce. I had to remove many of the recipes so that I could have them in the ebook. You will notice that many of my recipes call for fried onions at the beginning of cooking. This takes up a lot of time. Rather than slowly frying the onion, use a ladle full or two of the curry sauce. You'll love the result.
Thanks
Dan
irene says
Hi Dan
what recipies can I use this for? I cant find where they are and I just want to make this
Thanks
Dan Toombs says
Hi Irene
There are a few recipe on my site that use it but my book has them all. Here is the link. https://www.amazon.co.uk/British-Indian-Restaurant-Style-Meals-ebook/dp/B0096X3S4M
Thank you.
Dan
irene says
Hi Dan
I want to make this but cant find a recipe to try. Can you help please
Thanks
Dan Toombs says
Hi Irene
This base sauce is for Indian restaurant style curries. It can be used in my BIR recipes. Check out the Restaurant curry section.
Thank you.
Dan
Mandy says
Hi, could you please tell me what size stainless steel cooking pot I need to buy to accommodate all the ingredients to make the large batch curry gravy. Thank you.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Mandy
I use a ten litre pot. You could adjust the recipe though an use a smaller pot if necessary. Thanks.
Dan
Kim says
Dear Dan
I've just made your Restaurant Style Large Batch of Curry Sauce and I wanted to let you know that it came out perfectly. It's absolutely delicious and I intend to make the Madras Curry with it. I shall never buy a jar again!!
I have a kindle so I shall be downloading your recipe book.
Kind Regards
Kim
Dan Toombs says
Hi Kim. Thank you very much. Really glad you enjoyed the recipe. Hope you enjoy my ebook.
Dan
Paula says
Thanks
I can't wait to try this, I am going to buy your book on amazon tonight. How long can I keep it in the freezer for?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Paula
Thank you very much. The sauce should keep in the freezer for at least three months without losing much flavour. Be sure to heat it up though before adding to your curries.
Dan
Jane says
I want to order some curries now are you. Open. What are your. Hours please. Reply straight back
Dan Toombs says
I Jane. No restaurant yet. Maybe someday. 🙂
Thanks.
Dan
Craig says
I;ve tried to cook good curries at home for many years, but always try to make them as healthy as possible. I've decided to give up on that and try to make the best curry I can, and going to try your recipes. Hard you got a hard copy booked out as yet?
Cheers
Craig
Dan Toombs says
Hi Craig
Thank you. I don't have a hard copy yet. Maybe someday. I need to convince a publisher first. 🙂
Dan
Lee says
I just made this to freeze. it makes loads! But i tasted the sauce and found it very bland. Hope i didn't do anything wrong. Followed the recipe exact. Does it taste better when added to the Jalfrezi receipe for example?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Lee
It should be quite bland as it is used to make different curries, spicy and mild. I look at it as a vegetable stock. It add flavour but the real flavour comes when you add the spices and other ingredients to make your curry.
Dan
Jesper says
Hey great recipe tried it with jalfrazi yesterday and it was great!
Im just wondering what kind of cabbage you should use?
I live in sweden and i translated it to white cabbage so thats what i used.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Jesper
Thank you for your questions. White cabbage will be fine. The cabbage doesn't add a lot of flavour so any cabbage will do.
Dan
Nick bailey says
Hi there i have made your curry base mix this weekend, i have clicked onto the korma link but is showing webpage error i was wondering could you repost the chicken korma recipe using the base sauce. Many thanks
Dan Toombs says
Hi Nick
Not sure what happened there. The site had a lot of traffic over the weekend so perhaps that was the problem. The link is definitely working now.
Thanks
Dan
Joanne Bartoszewski says
Can u use vegetable oil instead of ghee
Dan Toombs says
Hi Joanne
Definitely. Many Indian restaurant chefs use oil instead of ghee. Good luck.
Dan
Gary says
Hi Dan
Followed the recipe for the small batch. But I don't get the red colour of your samples in the finished sauce I make.. any suggestions??? Where I'm going wrong?
Cheers
Gary
Dan Toombs says
Hi Gary
It should be more of an orange colour. The tomatoes and tomato paste do give it some red colour but mine does usually end up quite orange. Red colouring in curries usually comes from red food colouring which is not necessary in this recipe. Hope this helps.
Dan
Jared says
Hey Dan,
Do you think this sauce could be stored in Jars?
Ian says
Is it 9 tablespoons of ginger and garlic paste together, or 9 or ginger paste and 9 or garlic paste? Also, what exactly is garlic/ginger paste?
Thanks.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Ian
Garlic and ginger paste is equal amounts of garlic and ginger blended together with a little water into a paste. I do have a post on my site and will try to make this more clear in future. Thanks.
The recipe calls for 9 tablespoons of garlic and ginger paste (garlic and ginger together). It sounds like a lot but it is needed.
Thanks
Dan
Martin says
Hi, I'm trying to figure out exactly how much in grams of ginger and cloves or bulbs of garlic to use in either total or tablespoon... Can you help me as I don't want to mess it up. Cheers
Dan Toombs says
Hi Martin
Thanks for your question. It really isn't a major thing. I'm not sure about the grams but in Indian restaurant kitchens they simply spoon it in. Unlike baking, there is no real science to this. Just experiment, check out my photos and have fun.
Dan
Chris h says
I don't get how ppl are not getting this. It's 9 tablespoons in total of garlic and ginger paste.
Going to make your base soon. Can't wait.
You are the man sir.
Very detailed explanations. Thanks very much.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Chris
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you get to try the recipe soon. Much appreciated.
Cheers,
Dan
Deb=nise says
Hello, is it 9 tablespoons of garlic paste and 9 tablespoons of Ginger?
Andy says
If you're making an amount of the recipe that calls for 18 of garlic-ginger paste total, then yes? I'd love to know why everyone's so worried. I get it. I used to hide scrawled recipes up my sleeve when cooking for friends even if I'd done it 10+ times. I guess, on the other hand, it is *somewhat ambiguous* - if it's 50/ 50 so easy to say so in the list. Perhaps? Or perhaps I'm wrong. PS - I'm fascinated by the blog and just referenced it in a v nice, thrown together vegetable curry, which has turned out to be splendid. Many thanks. 🙂
Dan Toombs says
Thank you very much Andy!
Dan
Charly says
Hi I made this but it looks Nothing like the pic and was a very dry sauce, I have read over and put in enough water to cover the veg, I can't see where I went wrong 🙁
Dan Toombs says
Hi Charly
Just add more water. My recipes are produced in my kitchen with the products I have on hand. Perhaps yours were not the same size etc. Just add more water and let it cook longer. You'll get there.
Dan
Daniel says
Hey, looking forward to trying this! Would love to make a chicken Rogan Josh though, could I just follow the lamb recipe you gave but use chicken instead?
Thanks.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Daniel
You can use chicken instead. It doesn't need to cook as long either. Just cooke it through completely until tender.
Thanks
Dan
Julian says
I have been successfully making the sauce in a slow cooker by putting all the ingredients in the pot in the recipe order in one go and letting it slow cook on low for a few hours, then purée it. Excellent results every time.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Julian
Thanks for that. I might give that a try someday.
Dan
Tara says
Julian, could you add more details? do you add water to the slow cooker?
Julian says
How much water would you say you add roughly in a measurement?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Julian
I never really measure. Just top it all up with water. If you find the sauce is too thick after blending, add a little more. It should be like a thick pourable cream.
Thanks
Dan
Greg berg says
Hi Dan are you using canned tomatoes or fresh. Looks like canned from the weight perspective (14.5 ounces).
Thanks
Greg
Dan Toombs says
Hi Greg
Here in the UK I use canned in the Winter and fresh in the Summer. Hope this helps.
Dan
GB says
Hi
I have just made this and the smell is incredible - it already smells like walking into a takeaway in South London! However, When the sauce was finished I only had about 12 x cupfuls - if I have read the above correctly, I should have had enough sauce for 8 portions of 3 cupfuls ( therefore = 24). I followed the recipe exactly, so what has gone wrong?
To clarify, I have approx 2..3 kilograms of sauce which I have split into 4 portions. Should I now add water to thin it, as it does seem just a little thicker than I expected.
Any suggestions would be welcome!
Thanks
G
Dan Toombs says
Hi G
You should definitely add water or a bit of fragrant stock (recipe on my blog) if you feel the end result is too thick. This happens from time to time as it is not an exact science. Get it to the consistency that you like it and your curries will be perfect.
Thanks
Dan
GB says
Many thanks Dan. I should say that since my question, I have gone on to make both Chicken Madras and Chicken Dhansak - (having thinned the sauce with water as I suspected you would suggest), both of which were absolutely incredible and could have arrived as a takeaway from a top local Indian Restaurant. I cannot believe that they were made with my own hands in my own kitchen.
I chose not to prepare the chicken in the way you describe, favouring instead the Chinese method of velvetting - marinating in egg white and cornflour then briefly frying before adding to the curry. Amazing!y tender and moist.
I have been trying to make a restaurant style curry at home for almost 20 years, and have never been satisfied - until now that is! I have about 30 books on Indian cookery and about 5 of those are on Indian Restaurant cookery. Guess where they are going now!
Anybody reading this who may be thinking: "it is a lot of ingredients", "I don't have the time" , "I'm not a good enough cook" or "Dan has asked G to write this", is wrong and needs to think again and try it. My curries at home have that real, indescribable restaurant taste and you Dan, are a Godsend!
Thomas says
Thank you, GB! I'd never heard of velveting chicken. I'll be trying it! 😁
Tony says
Hi gb mine is exactly the same, made 3 liters which like you said made half. Did you add 3 liters of water after?
Regards
Tony
Dan Toombs says
Hi Tony
I'm not sure I understand your questions. The recipe is exactly as is. I usually don't add any more water at the end. It should be a slightly thick sauce about the same consistency as single cream.
Thanks
Dan
GB says
Tony & Dan
I cannot remember how much water I added at the end, but it was enough to thin it slightly to the consistency of cream, as Dan described. I suppose variable sized ingredients, cooking heat etc, all make our attempts produce slightly different results in the end.
Regardless of my worries about consistency, the taste and flavour is spot on, this is now the only curry sauce recipe I will use!
Dan Toombs says
Great to hear. Thank you GB. 🙂
Dan
Laura says
Hi Dan,
I am about to make your curry and then lamb vindaloo for my husband - I just wanted to compliment you on your nice, clean printing pages - so many websites clutter up recipes with ads and junk or take 10 pages of paper to print a 1 page recipe! It is so nice to encounter your site which does not do that!
Thanks,
Laura
Dan Toombs says
Thank you Laura and sorry for the late reply. I really appreciate you trying my recipe. Hope you liked it. 🙂
Dan
Jim Black says
Hi there, I just wanted to ask if you have to put it in a blender? As it looks great pre blend.
Thanks Jim.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Jim
The sauce is usually blended until smooth but I often don't bother. Many restaurants use a chunkier sauce in their dishes. Good luck.
Dan
Keith Mckeown says
HI .Looks and smells great.
unblended or blended
thanks for the recipe mate
Dan Toombs says
Thanks Keith. 🙂
Dan
Si says
This stuff is amazing, can't get enough of the simple jalfrezi, made a big batch of sauce last month, a small batch last week and back for another big batch tonight.
Just wondering, my wife and I both like a bit of a chilli kick, if we're the only people eating it would you add chilli to the sauce instead of the final dish or is it better this way round?
Thanks for posting this stuff Dan
Dan Toombs says
Hi Si
Thanks for the question. If you are the only two eating the curries, you could add chilli to taste. I don't as I like to add heat at the end of cooking. Happy cooking.
Dan
Sharon says
Hi Dan
I don't normally review or comment, but I just wanted to leave a comment thanking you for sharing this wonderful recipe with us! I made it today and then used it to make a Rogan Josh which was absolutely delicious, and tasted very much like a curry house curry! I've tried many times to recreate curry house curries to no avail, but you have provided the perfect solution here.
Thanks again!
Sharon
Dan Toombs says
Hi Sharon
Thank you very much. I'm really glad the recipe worked for you. Keep in touch.
Dan
Big H says
Excellent recipe, thank you. I admit I was dubious about the smoked paprika (essentially a Mediterranean ingredient) but it added a lovely touch. Highly recommended.
Dan Toombs says
Thank you. Really glad you liked it. That was a tip I learned visiting a restaurant in London.
Dan
AlexD says
How important is it that you use smoked paprika? I can't easily get hold of it (remote rural Canada) and was wondering whether I needed to mail order some (and delay making the sauce) or just use standard paprika instead? Thanks!
Dan Toombs says
Hi Alex
Normal paprika will work fine. It's actually what I use most often.
Thanks,
Dan
jan booker says
hi Dan, i only have fenugreek seeds, do i still add a tablespoon?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Jan
That should still be fine. Just be sure to grind them first.
Thanks
Dan
Balal says
I'm a British born Kashmiri and my mum has always cooked traditional Indian Pakistani curry's. However nothing beats a britiah Indian takeaway!
This recipe is an absolute God send. Thank you so much for sharing!
Let us know if we can support you in any other way, apart from Kindle purchases.
Dan Toombs says
Thank you very much Balal. 🙂
Dan
Astrid Barnhoorn says
I would like to make this recipe. It Will be the forst time i make an Indian dish. I Cannon vind any gingen of garlic paste here in Holland .
Can i use fresh garlic and ginger?
How much do i need to start with? Thanks for this great website!
Greetings from Holland!
Dan Toombs says
Hi Astrid
There is a recipe on my site for garlic and ginger paste. It's really easy to make. Just take equal amounts of chopped garlic and ginger and blend with a little water into a paste. Just make as much as you need or make more than you need. It keeps in the fridge for up to three days or you can freeze it. 🙂
Dan
Sara says
An absolute hit with my hubby and friends. I live in Spain now and this is the perfect recipe for those Friday nights when you yearn for Indian restaurant curry. I cooked the Jafrezi and have enough left over for another, its making the choice of what to try next is the hard part
Dan Toombs says
Hi Sara. Thank you for stopping by. Really glad you liked the jalfrezi. Happy cooking.
Cheers
Dan
Sara says
An absolute hit with my hubby and friends. I live in Spain now and this is the perfect recipe for those Friday nights when you yearn for Indian restaurant curry. I cooked the Jalfrezi and have enough left over for another, its making the choice of what to try next is the hard part
Dan Toombs says
Hi Sara
Thank you for stopping by and for trying my recipes. Really glad you liked the jalfrezi. Happy cooking!
Dan
Kathryn Bradord says
Can you let me know what hot and other spices to add to make the madras after I have made the large batch as I can only see photos but not what to add Thank's
Dan Toombs says
Hi Kathryn
Now that you have made the sauce, simply go to my restaurant style curries section on the blog. All of the popular curries including madras are there and they use the base sauce.
Thanks
Dan
Chris says
Thank you very much Dan. This is a fantastic recipe. At long last I can make a restaurant curry that tastes like they used to in the 70's.
Dan Toombs says
Thank you Chris. Really glad you like the recipe.
Dan
Mike Morris says
Have been asked to cook a curry for 60+ at the rugby club
I can do quality but have never considered the efforts of quantity.
Bought the book. Gonna trial on the under 16s squad and then go for real the week after. Two different curries. Lamb and chicken
For the test curry... 30people ish... Do you think 6kg of chicken? Was thinking of thighs.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Mike
That should cover it. Thanks for trying the recipes.
Dan
Mike Morris says
Oh my days! Just did the large batch and 6kgs of chicken tandoori making the chicken tikka masala for 35 very hungry rugby kids and coaches!
Absolutely lush. Gonna make more from the book!
Thank you!
Dan Toombs says
Thank you very much Mike. Really glad you all liked the recipe. I have a new ebook coming out soon that will feature many more tandoori style recipes.
Cheers
Dan
Jackie says
I'm making this sauce as we speak but got a question. Is it 9 table spoons of garlic n ginger or 4 n half each? O and can I use butter instead of ghlee?? Thanks
Dan Toombs says
Hi Jackie
The garlic and ginger paste is a blend of garlic and ginger. 9 tablespoons of that blend should be fine. You can use butter instead of ghee but it burns easier so watch it. Lots of chefs use vegetable oil instead. Good luck.
Dan
Mike Morris says
So up scaling my curry for the rugby club.
5kg Chicken tikka masala. Done before know it
5kg lamb Keema...Pakistani breakfast as I call it
And beef madras.
Making the pre-cook meat bit but there is quiet a lot of liquid.
I'm presuming I store all that possibly add less base sauce yeah?
Or should I drain off?
I'm going for the use it all approach.
Be keen to know if that is right.
Ta.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Mike
You've got it. Just add sauce until you are happy with how the curry looks and tastes. You could add additional cooking stock to give the curry more flavour. There is no real rule other than it has to be perfect for your tastes. Good luck.
Dan
reg says
Hi Dan, I want to thank you for the base sauce recipe. I'm always trying to re-create an authentic curry house taste and this is what my curries have been missing. I'm making my second batch now. Do you think this sauce would serve as a base to a Dhansak? Keep up the good work.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Reg
Thank you. It sure would. In fact I have a new dhansak recipe coming up soon. Watch this space.
Dan
jacqui says
just bought your kindle book, based on the blog i have been reading ..... i was impressed.... just thought i would share with you 🙂 i cook a fairly mean chicken tikka masala myself, but the curry base means i can now make a lot of other recipes.. thanks to you. i have a slick new cooker arriving in the morning, so i will be sampling some of your delights tomorrow .. .can't wait 😀
thanks very much!
Dan Toombs says
Thank you very much Jacqui. I'm really glad you enjoy the sauce. Happy cooking.
Dan
Mark H says
Morning Dan, with regards to the large batch curry sauce, is it 9 tbs each of garlic and ginger paste, or 9 tbs of each? Great recipes, just realised you live in my home town,
Mark.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Mark
It's nine tablespoons of garlic and ginger paste as a blend. That is equal measures of garlic and ginger blended into a paste. Hope this helps. Yarm's a great place!
Thanks
Dan
william says
hi Dan. My base curry sauce is simmering away as i type (pre-turmeric phase). At the moment the spice flavour is in the background when i tase rather than in my face. I'm wondering if i added enough spice. Are the tablespoon measures meant to be level or heaped or somewhere in between? Thanks!
Dan Toombs says
Hi William
I usually use rounded measures. Think of this sauce as a base. There is not a lot of flavour as it is used in so many different curries. The real flavour is added when you make the basic sauce into different curries. Hope this helps.
Dan
Joe S. says
Last night I made your curry base for the third time. I really like to use it because I really like a lot of sauce in my dishes. I discovered Indian food during a trip the the U.K. & my wife & I really have grown into loving it. We do have some great restaurants here in Ann Arbor, MI USA but I've been making it at home for quite some time now. Your curry base has really changed the game for me.
The only change I've made is reducing the smoked paprika to a teaspoon. It's just a matter of personal taste. It seemed like the paprika flavour dominated any dish I used the base in.
Last night it was Chicken Korma & it was delicious! I plan to go right down your list & make them all. My wife wants me to use your low fat recipe book but I will have to actually buy a Kindle first.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Joe
Thanks for stopping by and for trying my recipes. I'm really glad you like them. Lately I've been using unsmoked paprika. My recipes change all the time. 🙂 Have fun with the recipes and keep experimenting.
Thanks
Dan
Tony says
Hi Dan I've just made the Base sauce and am looking forward to many curry's, I also downloaded the kindle curry book and in it you change the reciepy slightly, it says 1 tablespoon of curry powder instead of garam masala and then 1 tsp of turmeric instead of 1 tablespoon? I cook Thai and some vegetable Indian curry's alot so I'm happy enough that it's not going to be a big change. But which recipe is the most up-to-date? Regards
Tony
Dan Toombs says
Hi Tony
Thanks for asking. The recipe on my site is the most up to date at the moment though that will change. I'm busy revising my ebooks. You could use either garam masala or curry powder. They are essentially the same thing. Curry powders and garam masalas vary a lot as well. If you are using my recipes, you won't be disappointed by adding either. I have also started using less turmeric. I don't really know why. It has just happened. 🙂
Thanks
Dan
Marco says
Hi dan just want to say thankyou for everything you've done on this site , ive been using your reciepes for a while now and have had great results every time .thankyou. marco
Dan Toombs says
Thank you very much for that Marco. I'll keep the recipes coming. Really glad you like them.
Dan
Dave says
your recipes look great, have just purchased your e-books and can't wait to start cooking them
Dan Toombs says
Thank you very much Dave! Much appreciated. 🙂
Dan
Dave says
Hi, If i wanted to cook this recipe in a 5litre pot, would I just halve all the ingredients including the powders??
Dan Toombs says
Hi Dave
That should work fine. 🙂
Thanks
Dan
Marcel Duval says
Hi Dan,
Made your base sauce this past week and got rave reviews for the chicken Korma, (your recipe) and for a chickpeas and vegetables version. Question: has anyone tried canning (mason jars) your base sauce? I don't see a problem if following the proper canning process, but I thought I should ask. Thank you.
Marcel
Dan Toombs says
Hi Marcel
I've never thought about that one but I also don't see any problem. I usually just freeze mine but that sounds like a good idea.
Thanks
Dan
Marcel Duval says
Hi Dan,
Thanks. I will give it a try.
Marcel.
capt says
I'm curious too but I think to be safe you need to find a good method. The contents are low acid and that is not good for water bath canning. (you need more acid) I'd be very interested in any method for water bath you might find and share. Thanks
Susanna says
Hi Dan, thank you so much for this great recipe! Your Restaurant Curry Sauce is a staple in our house for quite a while now. And thanks to, you my kids are becoming quite the curry lovers. I usually prepare 4 times the amount of above recipe and can it with the water canning method. The only adaptation to canning that I make, is that I use less oil when frying the onions. I fill the boiling sauce into canning jars, transfer them into the hot water bath and leave them in the boiling water for two hours. That way the sauce keeps for months and makes a great gift for all the people who like to make a quick curry after a long day at work or chasing infants around the house.
PS: I love it, that you mention which recipes your kids like. I make sure to include one of those whenever we prepare a curry feast.
PPS: With modern canning gear (well regulated temperature) the low acidity of the ingredients does not prevent them from being cannable, it just means you have to leave them in the water bath a bit longer.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Susanna
I love this! Thank you very much. I have preserved a lot of pickles but never the base sauce. I'll give it a try. To be honest, I now use a lot more oil. About 500ml more to be exact. I've learned to do this over the passed couple of years through my restaurant visits. When you simmer the sauce, all of the oil rises to the top. The oil is now seasoned and has a great flavour. I carefully skim it off the top and keep it for use in my curries rather than simply using plain vegetable or rapeseed oil. It adds a lot of depth to the curry. Thanks again for you tip!
Dan
John says
Hi Dan
I just want to say thanks a lot for sharing...I've been making curry sauces for ages, but this one was the best I've ever made from scratch (I think is was as I was following your recipe I upped the amount of onions, I added a lot more than I usually do and left them to sweat/caramelize )
I used it to make a basic fish curry, I threw in a bit of desiccated coconut and a few peas for sweetness and added some white fish! It was lovely...plus I've got a pan full of sauce left! Am already planning what I can add to make different dishes....Thanks again
David says
Hey, I am from New York, USA. I want to buy your books! How can i do so?
Dan Toombs says
Hi David
I only have ebooks and they are all available on Amazon.com. Just type in Dan Toombs in the search. Hope this helps.
Thanks
Dan
Peter Cryan says
Hi Dan, Just made a batchful of your Curry Sauce and looks great and all went well. The only thing I have is a slightly bitter aftertaste. Maybe too much Garlic?? How can I fix it or will it disappear once I make a curry
Thanks
Peter
Dan Toombs says
Hi Peter
It sounds like you might have over cooked the garlic. I'm not really sure. If you burnt the garlic, there isn't much you can do but start over. You'll get there. I wish I could be more help but I haven't come across this problem before. Burnt garlic is quite bitter.
Good luck.
Dan
GB says
Hi Dan,
Merry Christmas to you and yours. I just wanted to thank you again for a superb site.
I have one question regarding your curry sauce - have you ever made it, then used it as the base sauce in a slow cooker to make your curries? I do not want to waste this liquid gold if you don't think it will work!
GB
Capt says
So what you don't like my feedback? Seems you have filtered my comments, what's the issue ? Canning low acid foods can make you sick depending on how you do it....I 'm still trying to find a safe water bath way.
Dan Toombs says
Hi, I'm not sure what you mean by that. I haven't filtered your comments????
Dan
Smiling Cowboy says
Base sauce is great. I used it to make a saagwala, now looking forward to making a masala and bhuna.
Dan Toombs says
Great to hear. I'm glad you liked it. Good luck with the bhuna. It's one of my favourites.
Dan
Chris says
Hi Dan
Is there a version that doesn't use ghee? Just trying to keep it low fat.
Thanks and Happy New Year
Dan Toombs says
Hi Chris
Try using light olive oil or rapeseed oil. I often do and it works fine.
Thanks
Dan
Chris says
Thanks Dan , as I do not have time to make the base tomorrow, I'd like to make the chicken saagwala, can you offer a n adapted version of your existing recipe that would n't involve the base? Or is that just plain daft???
Chris says
Thanks Dan , as I do not have time to make the base tomorrow, I'd like to make the chicken saagwala, can you offer an adapted version of your existing recipe that would n't involve the base? Or is that just plain daft???
David says
I just want to appreciate you for this blog. I like Chicken Tikka Masala very much. I will collect a big pot of sauce and will make it soon.
I hope it will be the good recipe.
Dan Toombs says
Hi David
Hope you like it too. 🙂
Dan
mike says
Hi Dan,
I think i may have missed something here, for the large batch of base sauce how much water do you use , also will the taste / texture be different if veg oil is used instead of butter.?
kind regards
Mike
Dan Toombs says
Hi Mike
How much water you use is really up to your own personal preference. I usually use just enough to cover all the vegetables. Some people like their curries runnier or drier so just adjust. Many chefs use vegetable oil instead of butter/ghee. It gives a different flavour. Personally I prefer ghee but vegetable oil is fine too.
Thanks
Dan
jonnie says
On Amazon it says you and your family ate nothing else but curry for a year.
I am going to try that on with my wife.
You should watch Red Dwarf if you dont' already - reckon you'd get on just fine with Lister.
Shame about the lack of paper versions of your books - also why should the US ( Amazon + Kindle ) get a slice of everything we do?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Jonnie
I haven't seen Red Dwarf but will try to now. 🙂 I'm working on finding a publisher for a printed version.
Thanks
Dan
Sara says
Could you make this without the cabbage?? Is there any substitute?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Sara
You can definitely make it without the cabbage. Many chefs do. It is essentially an onion stock.
Thanks
Dan
Jim says
Hi Dan,
I have just discovered your site and am very excited. I have been striving to make a restaurant styl curry for over 30yrs!!!
Can you tell me the tablespoon measure you use are they U.S or U.K. standard measures. I live in the UK and I think our tablespoons are larger.
Many thanks
Jim
Dan Toombs says
Hi Jim
I use UK measures. My recipes are just guides though. If a recipe calls for one tablespoon chilli powder and you think it might be a bit much, just add less.
Thanks
Dan
steve says
hi Dan,
I have never made a curry before yet I eat a few , I like Dopiaza, Jalfrezi curries the most
how would I go about using tho sauce but then make it into on the 2 I have mentioned
do you have recipe for them
thanks
steve
Dan Toombs says
Hi Steve
I have recipes for both of those curries on the site with instructions on how to use the base sauce. 🙂
Dan
Gareth A. says
Great recipe and now my house smells great. Just one concern and it's almost certainly down to my incompetence, but the base sauce is slightly bitter. Can I get around this in future cooks or even correct it when making the finished curry? Or is this as intended. I know tinned tomatoes often vary considerably in terms of acidity.
Thanks for the great site!
Dan Toombs says
Hi Gareth
I haven't been asked that one before and have never had the problem. It could be that you burnt your garlic which would make the sauce bitter. That or perhaps you used too much turmeric or fenugreek for your personal taste. Try those spices and see if that is where the bitterness is coming from.
Thanks,
Dan
Barry says
Hi Dan,
How many tomatoes do you use for 400ml or do you use tin tomatoes?
Thanks
Barry
Dan Toombs says
Hi Barry
Tinned tomatoes will work fine. That's what I use usually.
Dan
Tomas says
Hi Dan, I’m trying to figure out exactly how much in grams of onion you use in this recipe (regarding the other ingredients). I'am a beginner so I wanna get it right and end up with the right flavour. Thanks very much for help, Tomas
Dan Toombs says
Hi Tomas
Sorry but I can't help you with that one yet. I'll be making it again this week and will weigh the amount of onions used. 🙂
Dan
Lukas says
I made the recipe using 10 tennis-ball sized onions and after trimming off the tops and roots, and peeling off the skin, they came in at 1,900 grams.
Jack Taylor says
Hi Dan,
I have just made the large batch of base sauce and then used it to make the chicken saagwala.
After tasting the finished base sauce I found it very sweet and it seemed to carry over to the saagwala. What ingredient could cause this or is it normal?
Apart from this very flavoursome and perfect consistency so would like to keep using your recipes
Regards
Jack
Dan Toombs says
Hi Jack
Sorry but I'm not really sure. Someone else just commented that theirs was too bitter. I think it will be down to the ingredients used. Try to experiment a bit and you'll get there. 🙂
Dan
Barney says
Hi.
By garlic & ginger paste, do you mean the bottled stuff?
Must say, I've used it before and not been impressed, though maybe it's how it's used:)
Thanks
Dan Toombs says
Hi Barney
I know what you mean. I hate the bottled stuff. I make my own. Equal amounts of garlic and ginger blended with a little water into a paste. 🙂
Dan
Samina Samji says
My mother always kept the ginger and garlic paste mixed in one jar. I keep them separated, since I like to use more ginger in meat dishes or no ginger in vegetarian dishes. Am I correct that your 9 Table spoons is a mixture of both and not 9 each. How do you feel about the two being combined and in what proportion would you mix the ginger and garlic pastes or is it half and half. I need to clarify before I make my big batch. Looking forward to the smells when I do. How long can it be kept frozen?
Thanks.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Samina
Sorry for my late reply. It is nine tablespoons garlic/ginger paste mix. My mix is a 50% split but you can definitely change that if you want.
Thanks,
Dan
Debbie says
I have one question about the recipe.mit calls for 9 tablespoons of garlic and ginger paste. Is this 9 tbls of each?
Thank you in advance!
Dan Toombs says
Hi Debbie
It's nine tablespoons of garlic/ginger paste. Nine total.
Thanks,
Dan
Tim says
Hi Dan,
Great site and recipe. I've been in Australia for years now and have talked fondly to my kids of how good the BIR's were in comparison to most encountered here. I was a bit spoiled though, going to University in Bradford then working lots in Birmingham, Manchester and other areas good for curries. Looking forward to re-creating some meals!
Made a large pot of this yesterday and reckon it will do 30 portions for me and 2 teenage kids. Smells absolutely gorgeous this morning and I know it's going to be good. Pre-cooked meat today, so when it's time to cook something up should have time to do starters and breads too. 🙂
Thanks, Tim.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Tim
Thanks for stopping by. I'd love to hear how you get on so please keep in touch.
Dan
Matfrabunnen says
Dear Dan, after trying to cook Indian food for 20 years, going through numerous recipes and cook books, you did finally solve the great mystery for me - THANK YOU! This recipe is indeed the key and the well-hidden secret to making restaurant-style Indian food at home. Even hubbie, who wasn't fond of Indian curries at all, now loves them (!). I got a tip in a facebook food group about your blog, and now I've made the base sauce twice and it's fantastic. Yesterday I made a blog post about it (in Norwegian) and credited you there of course. I also purchased a couple of your e-books just because I'm so grateful for the recipe. 🙂 Keep up the great work!
I do, however, have a couple of questions:
1) Why is the turmeric added in the end, and cooked slightly in ghee first (to release the aromatics, I presume)?
2) I find adding the spices right after the onion has cooked releases the aromatics better, I also add the turmeric at that point - stir well for a couple of minutes, then add garlic & ginger, stir for a minute and then add the rest of the veggies. Thoughts?
All the best and greetings from Norway,
Aleksandra
Dan Toombs says
Hi Aleksandra
Thank you very much for your kind words. I'm really happy you liked the recipe and thank you for purchasing my ebooks. To be honest, my recipes have changed since the ebooks and that post. I have visited so many excellent restaurants to research a new printed cookbook that will be published in May 2017 by Quadrille Publishing.
The curry base sauce recipe on my site and in my ebook was one of the first I learned. The turmeric was tempered and added at the end of cooking by the chef to give the base sauce more colour. I now add it, like you do with the other ground spices. I think you will love my new recipe when it is published.
For now though, the way you are doing things sounds good. My new way is a lot different but with the same ingredients. Watch this space. 🙂
I love getting feedback like this. Thank you very much for mentioning me on your blog.
Dan
Judith Reynolds says
I have been living in New Zealand for seven years and the only thing I miss more than gammon is a British style curry. I've been trying to replicate them for years,creating loads of flavour but not the consistency.......until now!
Dan,you have changed my life! We have just had curry for dinner 17 days straight.
I bought the app,but think I know all the recipies by heart now.
Thank you so so much! Jude
Dan Toombs says
Thank you very much Jude! I'm really happy you like the recipes. I'll keep them coming. 🙂
Dan
Jenny says
Hi Dan, As an English person living in Australia now, I find it hard to find a decent curry so your recipes are absolutely magic! I was so happy to find your site. Thank you, Jenny
Dan Toombs says
Thank you very much Jenny. I'll keep the recipes coming on the blog and I have a cookbook out in May 2017. 🙂
Dan
Jenny says
Great, can't wait to buy it! Keep up the good work!
Mike Morris says
So I've gone and bought myself an instantpot cooker (glorified pressure cooker, slow cooker come salute-er) and wondered if I could speed up any of the processes such as making stock and doing the pre-cook meats.
Wouldn't use for the main cooking or baltis but might speed up and ease the BIR and such.
Any thoughts or experience?
Have seen it can cook lamb shank in 40mins so looking forward to that as a curry dish.
alan says
Hi Dan,
After trying lots of Indian recipes for BIR style curry I found your web site by chance on the net. I was very impressed with your descriptions and good photos of the various stages of cooking. So long story short made the base curry and tried the chicken Madras. Wow mate well done it was so good, only issue is my girlfriend says we won't need to go out for Indian again....lol
Dan Toombs says
That's excellent news Alan. Really glad you guys liked the recipe.
Thanks,
Dan
Kate says
I tried them all, and I really appreciate them all, espeically the rogan josh, thankyou.
Is it possible you could put up a recipe for Mango chicken curry?
Thankyou
Dan Toombs says
Hi Kate
Thank you. I'll work on the mango chicken curry too. 🙂
Dan
Alan Tolman says
Hi I have some beef flank steaks. What is the best way to pre cook these before adding to your rogan recipe? Thanks Alan.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Alan
Flank steak has so much flavour. I like to grill in on the bbq. It restaurants, it would normally be cooked until well done but I like it medium. Cut across the grain as it will be easier to chew.
Hope this helps.
Dan
Mike Warden says
Hi Dan,
I'm going to have a go at making an authentic BIR curry following your recipes - looks primising.
Some other recipes I've tried suggest red onions - is this something you've experimented with?
Regards,
Mike
Dan Toombs says
Hi Mike
I've experimented with red onions and it wasn't bad. Brown onions are what are used at every restaurant I've visited though. Hope this helps and thanks.
Dan
Clive says
Hi there, is this the sauce I would use for just a plain chicken curry like in the takeaways, I'm puzzled??????
Please help as my misses only like chicken curry
Many thanks
Dan Toombs says
Hi Clive
That's right. In restaurants, they make a huge batch of this and then use it in most of their curries. If you would like a plain chicken curry, I recommend using my Madras recipe but leaving out most if not all of the chilli powder and chillies. Good luck.
Dan
furniture assembly london says
Thank you for sharing. You have built a very nice site.
Dan Toombs says
Thank you.
Marc says
I've made this base for the first time and tried a few of the curries that are at the top of the page. Great Recipes loved the patia. Is there any more curries I can make from this base?
Thanks for this it's taste better than the local takeaway 🙂
Dan Toombs says
Hi Marc
Thank you very much. I will be adding more recipes in the coming months to the list. I also have a cookbook coming out that will be available on Amazon and other major retailers. It's called "The Curry Guy" it there are quite a few in there too.
Thanks,
Dan
will says
Your video shows 750ml ,but the written recipe says 250ml could you verify which one it is,cheers
Dan Toombs says
Hi Will
The video is a newer recipe. I state that in the recipe post but it may not be clear. Oil is an excellent transporter of flavour. In the research I did for my upcoming cookbook, I noticed that many chefs use a lot of oil. They then skim it off the top and use the seasoned oil in their curries. It adds a nice flavour you just can't get from plain oil.
Thanks,
Dan
John says
I'm confused. The video calls for 3 tablespoons each of the spices but the written recipe only calls for 1 tablespoon? Also the oil in the video is 750ml but only 250ml in the above recipe. Can you calrify both of these discrepancies? You mention something about skimming the flavored oil off. If I use 750ml am I supposed to skim most of it off?
Dan Toombs says
Hi John
I think I might need to remove the video from that page. You are not the first person to ask. I state on the page that the video is a different recipe to the written recipe. To answer your question about the oil, that is a little trick to keep the fat down and also have some great tasting oil for your curries. You probably could get it all out if you want to try but it could take some time. Try to get as much as you can out as it keeps forever. I suggest using either the written or the video recipe. I will write out the video recipe when I have more time.
Thanks,
Dan
John says
Also - the video calls for 1 liter of water initially, then after removing half of the curry base you replace half the removed curri volume with additional water. I think you said in the comments you use a 10 liter pot so that's 6 liters if water total?? That seems like a lot of water?
Bailey says
Hi Dan,
Do you think you will upload any veggie recipes that can be derived from this curry base? Would love to use it to make something for my vegan girlfriend 🙂
Bailey
Dan Toombs says
Hi Bailey
Thank you. I am working on it. I should have some new veggie recipes with the base sauce on the site soon.
Thanks,
Dan
Bailey Smith says
Thanks, really appreciate it. About to make my first batch now!
Jim says
Hi Dan, the video shows that you use 3 Tablespoons of spices and 1LTR of water, but the written recipe states 1 Tablespoon of spices and 500ml of water, which one do I use?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Jim
The recipes are different to each other. I use the video recipe most often.
Thanks,
Dan
Jim says
Hi Dan, Made the base from the written recipe, and from that I made a Chicken Madras and a King Prawn Jalfrezi which were amazing
All I can say is after years of trying to get that Restaurant taste at last I know someone who knows what they are talking about. Next up Chicken Tikka
Dan you are the man
Dan Toombs says
Thank you very much Jim. Really glad you liked the recipes! Keep in touch.
Dan
Victoria says
I'm quite new to cooking curries although they are my favourite dish. I like heat but my hubby doesn't and when he eats curries it's only very mild one. He asked if I could do him a more traditional tikka massala although he did like the ones I already made. So I followed your recipe and he was very impressed. I have since made the madras, bhuna and dhansak. They are amazing. I was truly impressed with the madras. It was as good as a take away. The curry base sauce makes a huge difference and I'm sure this is what I have been missing. Thank you for sharing your amazing recipes.
Dan Toombs says
Thank you Victoria
I'm so glad you like the recipes. I always have some base sauce on hand for those last minute cravings! Thank you for trying my recipes.
Dan
Matt says
Sorry for potentially a dumb question but a beginner 'wannabe' curry chef here - could this be made in a medium sized wok?
Thanks!
Dan Toombs says
Hi Matt
It could be but you might want to reduce the ingredients so it doesn't over flow. It should work fine though.
Thanks,
Dan
tony says
Hi Dan......Great site, just pre-ordered 2 books from amazon cant wait to get them.
iv just made my 1st large batch of base sauce, looks great. You mention at the end to separate into 750ml portions, i have 4 portions is that about right?
i also notice that different curries call for different amounts of base sauce ie....korma is 700ml, madras is 750ml while jalfrezi is only 400ml.....are these strict measurements? or could i make every curry with the same amount of sauce ie.....700ml for example? or would 700ml would be to much sauce for a jalfrezi
also do you have the recipe for making an even larger base sauce
all the very best tony 😉
Dan Toombs says
Hi Tony
Thank you very much for purchasing the copies of my new cookbook. Much appreciated.
The base sauce is exactly as the name implies, it's just a base and the measurements are not important. They are just a guide. This is all made more clear in my book. I have learned a lot since posting this recipe. If you watch the video above, you'll see my most recent version. It is a lot thiner. Water or stock can be added to double the volume so you should get close to 12 litres. I usually freeze it before doubling the volume with water/stock to save freezer space.
As measurements are not really important, you could easily double this recipe if you want to make more. It will still come out tasting about the same. The real magic happens when you use the rather bland base sauce with spices and other ingredients to make your curries. Hope this helps.
Thanks,
Dan
Aasma says
Dear Dan,
wonderful secret for indian curry.i was trying to get this secret since many years but could not able to find that how restaurant curries are so delicious.Thank you very much for giving us.
Did you taste indian albake chicken shawrma.it is creamy roti filled up with spicy chicken.it taste very very well just can in small words mouth watering.if you go to delhi please find their receipe. Restaurant is based in New friends colony and restaurant name is Al-bake.
Thanks for sharing your delicious receips.
thanks and best Regards
Aasma
Dan Toombs says
Thanks very much for the tip. When I do go to New Delhi, I'll definitely try Al-bake!
Thanks,
Dan
Roger W says
Hi Dan,
Just getting into making quantities of your base curry sauce and have one initial query for you.
Qu.? Using cabbage in curry sauce is new to me so please advise what it gives to the sauce.
Many thanks.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Roger
It doesn't add a lot of flavour to be honest. I've seen base sauces made with nothing but oil, water and onions. Adding cabbage is something I've seen mostly at Bangladeshi run restaurants. If noting else, it's good for you. 🙂
Thanks,
Dan
John hamling says
Hi Dan,
I was very interested to see your take on the base gravy. My sister is allergic to tomatoes and whenever ive asked about this when ordering in Indian restaurants none of them have used tomatoes in their base gravy. I know you have had experience over Indian kitchens so was a bit surprised to see tomatoes in your recipe, is it just something you prefer rather than generally used by Indian restaurants..
Thanks for some lovely recipes.
Cheers
John
Dan Toombs says
Hi John
Thank you very much. I have visited a lot of curry house kitchens. Most use tomatoes in their base sauce but I have seen a couple of chefs make a base sauce with nothing more than onions, water and oil. The tomatoes only add a little flavour and colour. Feel free to leave them out and you will still have a very authentic curry house style base sauce.
Cheers,
Dan
Phill says
Hi Dan,
Just bought your hard back book now and it looks like the ingredients are different between this page and your book. Which should I be following? I have 12 onions so was going to do the above, the book looks to use smaller amount of onions but with more spices.
Thanks,
Phill
Dan Toombs says
Hi Phill
Thank you very much for purchasing my book. To be honest, both are very authentic. Base sauces vary from restaurant to restaurant. I've seen some chefs prepare a base sauce with nothing but onions, oil and water. When you consider how much water is added, the small amount of spices added only flavours the sauce a little which is why it is quite bland. The real magic happens when you add the base sauce to other ingredients to make the individual curries. Hope this helps. Thanks, Dan
Phill says
Thank you Dan! Amazing getting a response from the author, I am extrememly impressed!
I have now made my large batch, going off the website version and am going to look at doing some currys this week. I had to bag the base though and freeze it, whats the best way to do defrost, would boil in bag work a bit and then in to a fresh pan? Sorry quite new to proper cooking and it made sense to start with something i love eating....Curry!
If i made a dopiaza, could i do away with the onion sauce and use more of the base? It looks like the ingrediants are somewhat similar.
Thanks you again! So happy with the purchase and i look forward to other printed versions.
Dan Toombs says
Thank you very much Phill - I'm really glad you are enjoying my recipes. RE defrosting, I usually just take the sauce out in the morning and let it defrost for the evening. Your way will work just fine though! The answer to the dopiaza question is yes! The ingredients are similar. Just use my recipes as guides and your really can't go wrong. If you use the freshest ingredients you can find to begin with, the end result should almost always be really good!
Thanks,
Dan
Kevin says
After hearing you on the Chris Evans breakfast show last week, have made Chicken Madras, and Garlic Chilli chicken, fantastic, what can I say except your book will be number 1 cooking choice in our household.
Dan Toombs says
Thank you very much Kevin! Much appreciated. I hope you continue to enjoy the book and recipes. 🙂
Dan
Fouzia Ali says
Hi Dan, I have just bought your book and made the base sauce. As I don't like to use plastic containers I have made the large batch sauce and without diluting transferred to glass containers of 400 ml capacity to freeze, as i only had six of those. However I have realised that when you add the water to the sauce to bring it to the consistency of full fat milk, as you recommend, it will be at least 3 times its volume. So now I will end up with an overflowing quantity of base sauce every time I defrost a jar. I only intend to make one curry for 4 people at a time. What am I going to do with so much base sauce!!! Any suggestions?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Fouzia
I normally freeze the sauce before adding the water. It saves a lot of freezer space. Then when I cook the different curries I add the water to the base sauce. If you have already added the water, you can always cook it down again. It won't hurt and might actually be better. I hope this helps. Thank you very much for purchasing my book.
Dan
Ann says
The ground fenugreek, is that ground leaves, or ground seeds? What are the other names this is sold under? I can't find this in my supermarket so I'm going to have to buy it at an Indian/Pakistani shop, what name should I be looking for (Hindi/Urdu)?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Ann - Try looking for 'methi'
Thanks,
Dan
David says
Hi Dan, I've bought your book and I have a query regarding the quantity of the ingredients for the Base Curry Sauce large and small batches as the differences are not always proportional. The quantity of the small batch is about 1/3 to nearly 1/2 of the large batch, but the quantity of most of the ground spices is 15 times greater for the large batch. I appreciate your quantities should be viewed as a guide, but as this does seem quite a significant difference, is it a mistake or is it correct? Thank you very much
Dan Toombs says
Hi David - Thank you for getting in touch. The recipes are correct. In fact they are two different recipes. I have learned so many different base curry sauce recipes over the years because each chef makes it different. One thing that is almost always the same is the amount of onions. It is essentially an onion stock with a few other veggies and spices thrown in. I've even seen one chef make his base stock with nothing more than onions, water and oil. He used the rather bland sauce in his curries but he also spiced his curries well so it was all he needed. If you want to make a small batch without a pressure cooker though, I recommend halving the large batch. I hope this helps. Good luck with it. Dan
Christian says
Hello Dan,
I bought your book and cooked the curry base sauce (large batch) yesterday with half of the ingredients.
I followed instructions very closely and used ingredients I bought a day before.
It smelled and looked promising, as on your pics.
However, when I tasted it there is a strong bitter taste. I wonder where it comes from.
I checked all vegetables which are ok and not bitter. Also nothing was burned while frying.
Maybe garlic ginger don't like to be mixed? Or is it a problem that I pureed everything 1min with a heavy duty mixer?
Also the Chicken Korma I cooked with the curry base was bitter aka very herb so uneatable/unenjoyable.
Any other ideas/assumptions?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Christian
Thanks for getting in touch. The korma is one of the most popular recipes from my book. I cook it at most of my demos. If it was bitter, you should add a little more sugar. Some people like their kormas really sweet so that might help. I think what you are tasting is the fenugreek. It is bitter and some people don't like it. Try making it next time without the fenugreek and see if it is better. Another thing you should do it try and taste cumin on it's own. That might also be the problem. I hope this helps. With a little experimentation, you will get it just right.
Thanks,
Dan
Christian says
Ok, thanks. I will reduce the fenugreek.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Christian
That's great. With a little experimentation, you'll get there!
Dan
matthew dale says
Hi there, can I ask why the turmeric is added to the ghee before both been added to the stock sauce? Instead just adding directly in with the rest of spices.
Thanks
Matthew
Dan Toombs says
Hi Matthew
Both methods are fine. In fact in my printed cookbook that is how it is done. Darkening the turmeric in the ghee gives a darker colour. It isn't necessary and I rarely do it these days.
Thanks,
Dan
Jimmy says
Making a vegan version of this recipe using soy-meat. Hope it will do the trick!
Dan Toombs says
Hi Jimmy
I'd love to hear how it goes. Thanks, Dan
Mark Burton says
I've just made the sauce for the first time and on tasting it the tumeric seems to be overpowering everything else. Has anyone else had a similar experience?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Mark
That will be a personal thing. If you find that the turmeric is overpowering, just reduce it next time. Many of the curries call for turmeric so you can leave it out. I hope this helps.
Dan
Tony Sissons says
Hi Dan, watched you make a large batch of the base sauce in the tutorial video above and then read your written instructions below. In the video, after completing the cooking and blending, you remove half of the sauce and freeze for later and the replace it by adding the same amount of water in order to make a more diluted sauce. However, in your written instructions, you do not seem to dilute with water. Maybe I have read your instructions incorrectly - not sure. Please can you advise. Thanks for your great work, Tony.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Tony
You got it right. The video is much more recent. I do dilute the sauce now. I just haven't had time to amend yet. Thanks, Dan
Richard says
Hi Dan, recently bought the book and am looking forward to making lots of dishes from it, however, just now I am working on the basics. I have just blended a large batch of the curry sauce and in the title text it says will make about 6 liters but further down the page it says 3 liters and that the sauce should be quite thick for storing, I have about 6 liters after blending, should I be reducing it down to 3 liters now?
Thanks, Richard
Dan Toombs says
Hi Richard
Sorry for the late reply and thank you very much for purchasing my book. The base sauce recipe makes about 3 litres of thick base sauce. In order to use it, however, you need to add about (and this is approximate) three more litres of water. You want the sauce to be about the same consistency as full fat milk before using in your curries. When I make a large batch, I usually freeze some of the thick sauce to save freezer space and then add water when I use it. Hope this helps.
Dan
Mike says
Hi Dan, I got your book last week and have already made Chicken Korma for the kids but using a curry base I had in the freezer from another recipe - it was great, clean plates all round!
I made the large batch yesterday but, just like Richard above, I've got the same question. I followed the recipe exactly and ended up with 6 litres of sauce not 3 litres - how did you go from a pan full of 6 litres of sauce down to 3? Did you reduce it down by simmering for a few hours without the lid on, or what?
Also, and I know you'll probably say it doesn't matter(!), but which base sauce method do you prefer using - the one in the video or the one in the book??
Looking forward to making the Chicken Dhansak - keep up the good work!!
Thanks - Mike
Dan Toombs says
Hi Mike
Thank you for picking up my book. The book instructions are correct. Sorry, but my blog is in need of some work as my recipes have changed.
With this recipe, you should end up with about 3 litres of thick sauce. You can freeze it at this stage to save freezer space. If using immediately, you want to add water or stock to the blended sauce until it is the same consistency as full fat milk. This will get you roughly six litres of sauce give or take some.
Hope this helps,
Dan
Dean says
Hi Dan,
I've just made a big batch and also end up with 6 litres at the end. I've seen a few small molar posts and was wondering if you could suggest where we might be differing from your approach where you end up,with 3 litres of thick sauce? I am struggling to see how 750ml oil, 3 litres of water and 2kg of onions could end up as 3 litres of sauce over a 75 minute period over a simmer? Am I missing something?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Dean
In this recipe (which I do need to find time to update) you should end up with about 6 litres of sauce just like you did. The pot I'm using in those pics is a 6 litre pot. As in my book, you add the water and vegetables. The oil is used but can be skimmed off. Add water or stock at the end until your sauce is the same consistency as full fat milk. You really can't go wrong. Even if it is too thick, it will still work well. Hope this helps.
Dan
Jwiltz says
This is so delicious. Cooking it made me hunger. It smelled so divine! After I packed up the sauce, I could not help myself from licking out the pan, blender, bowl, and spoon. Even without the salt, it was yummy.
Dan Toombs says
Thank you! Now just use it to make a few curries and it will be even better. Promise.
Cheers,
Dan
Jo R says
Hi Dan. Just purchased your book and can't wait to start cooking. Page 22 and 23 have the recipes for the Base sauce, however the small batch is not proportionate to the large batch. Eg 10 times the carrots in the double size batch. The sauce recipe on this website lacks a lot of the spices so we'd prefer to use the one in the book, plus we only need to make the smaller batch. Any advice greatly received!
Thanks
Dan Toombs says
Hi Jo
Thank you very much for purchasing my book. The small and large recipes are different to each other but both are authentic curry house recipes. When I want to make a small batch without a pressure cooker, I just halve or even quarter the large recipe.
Hope this helps.
Dan
Mikael says
Hi Dan,
I tried a few of the currys here and they turned out great but now I'm out of base sauce. 🙂
I thought I'd try the updated recipe in the video but have a question about the amount of spices, old recipe says 1tbsp whereas the video says 3tbsp. Is it correct that the amount is increased 3 times in the updated recipe?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Mikael
It's correct. I change my recipes from time to time. The additional spices don't add much to the flavour as the stock is so diluted. They simply add more colour and a hint of additional flavour.
Thanks,
Dan
Sue says
Hi could you please tell me what litre size stock pot i would need to make the large batch of curry base sauce.
Dan Toombs says
A six litre pot will do perfectly. You could also use a three litre pot.
Thanks,
Dan
Dave says
Can u leave out onions as I hate them
Dan Toombs says
Hi Dave
If you hate onions, I would definitely leave them out. 🙂 You won't have much sauce though.
Dan
Michael says
For a really creamy thick gravy sauce I use a vegetable similar to pumpkin or squash (abóbora), peeled cut up and cooked with carrot. Add to the ingredients in Dan´s recipe before blending. The resulting sauce is really special.
Lawrence says
Hi Dan. Is there a lnk to click on for your Soked Curry Powder recipe? I cant seem to find it on the site.
Thanks.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Lawrence. Sorry, that is an old post. The company that was making my smoked curry powder no longer does. You can use any good quality curry powder.
Thanks
Dan
Kenny says
Hi Dan,
I've just purchased your latest book; looks great by the way, and have just made my first batch of base sauce. I've taken your advice and dumped all my old spices and replaced them with fresh but I do have one question though. According to your book, the base sauce recipe makes 3 litres of thick sauce which is then watered down to make approximately 6 litres (24 servings), ie: 250ml per serving, but many of your recipes however suggests 500ml of sauce makes 4 servings which equates to 125ml per serving. My question is this, when following the Pasanda recipe for instance, should I use 500ml of the thicker sauce then add the water or 500ml after the sauce is thinned down?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Kenny
Thank you very much. When adding the base sauce to curries, you want to use the diluted sauce. The amount of sauce you add is just suggested. You might want to add more sauce and play around with the spices. Think of the recipes as guides but consider the curries yours to do with what you want. 🙂
Thank you,
Dan
Jules says
If I wanted to make a very large quantity of this base sauce do I just double of triple all of the ingredients ?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Jules
That will work. Thanks, Dan
Ben says
Hi Dan, I have made this a few times now. Looks how it' should.
My question was this:
I make a large batch (20odd servings) and I'm only using 1/10 of that on the night (2 servings) so I freeze the other 18 servings.
I now take a base curry out of the freezer (they're in 500ml batches) to make let's say a madras. Excellent, all good. But I live in a house of two. And the recipe is for four people. So by the end I have two curries left.
Can I now freeze this madras? Or does it need to be eaten first time as the original base has already been frozen?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Ben
Thanks for getting in touch. There are a lot of people that say not to refreeze things because it affects the flavour. The thing is, there isn't much flavour in the base anyway. I make curries all the time with defrosted base sauce and then freeze them with excellent results.
Thanks,
Dan
Ben says
Spot on the exactly what I needed to know. Thanks Dan
Dan Toombs says
Great to hear Ben. Thank you.
Dan
Rafal Markowicz says
Hi Dan,
I got your book "The Curry Guy" and the recipe for Base Curry Sauce is a little bit different from the one above, especially when it comes to individual spices ammount. Is any of them superior to other, or the book version is just the latest result of experiments ?
Regards
Rafal
Dan Toombs says
Hi Rafal
Thanks for getting in touch. The book version is the base sauce I make most often. Neither is superior to the other. I have experimented with so many base sauce recipes but they are all quite similar when used in the curries.
Thanks,
Dan
Dean Spurr says
Hi there Dan,
I bought the Book (having made some great curries from your website before), but am now a bit confused about the base-sauce recipe as there seems to be a lot of difference. The main difference being this recipe say 1 Tbsp of all the main dried ingredients, while the book says 3 Tbsp of most of them.
Because I have used the above with success, I am loathed to change it in some ways. What would you advise using?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Dean
Thank you for picking up my book. These are two different recipes but both very authentic curry house base sauces. When you consider how many servings it makes, the additional spices listed in the book really don't make a big difference in the flavour. I have seen some chefs make a base sauce with nothing but onions, oil and water. The one in my book is one of my favourites.
Thanks,
Dan
Matthew Trow says
The only questions I have, as I've made a number of curry sauces, are:
1. about the tomatoes.
I'm headed for a glut of tomatoes this year, due to the hot summer, which should be great for sauce.
The question is whether it's best to slightly par boil the tomatoes, dump them in ice water and remove the skins.
Even though the sauce is pureed, I guess it would be easier if there's no tomato skins involved?
Not really sure what difference it would have flavour wise.
2. About the spices
A few times, I've ended up with a more bitter taste than a good curry house sauce and I've failed to track down exactly what was causing this.
I initially thought it could be the ginger - maybe not fresh enough?
Then I noted a strong hint of coriander powder and thought it could be that, so adjusted to suit, but fairly often, I still get a bitter hit.
It's not horrible, but it just isn't as sweet as a good curry house.
I totally get that the onion, garlic, spices and especially ghee should never go past light brown, it's not that.
It's driving me mad trying to figure out exactly where the bitter flavour hint is coming from - which spice is giving that note to the sauce.
Note: I haven't tried your curry sauce yet, bookmarked for a beef curry I'll be making this weekend, I'll update if it's a hit!
Dan Toombs says
Hi Matthew
If using your own fresh tomatoes, I would do as you said and skin them. With regard to the bitter flavour, this appears to be a problem with only a few people. It will probably be down to one of the spices that you don't like. The most common spices that give a bitter flavour to some people are cumin, fenugreek and turmeric. Give each of these a try and you will probably find the flavour you don't like.
Hope this helps,
Dan
Chris says
Hi Dan,
Just bought your book on amazon - fantastic! For the base curry sauce (new version) you say to freeze it in 750ml batches and when making a curry it will need to be doubled with water for the right texture. So in your curry recipes, should i be adding 750 of the base sauce plus 750 water, or 750ml of the water and base mix?
Chris
Dan Toombs says
Hi Chris
Thank you very much for picking up my book. The sauce you add to the curry is the diluted sauce. It should be about the same consistency as full fat milk. I usually freeze the sauce before adding the additional water/stock to save freezer space.
Hope this helps,
Dan
Peter Simms says
Hi Dan,
I haven't tried any yet but the recipes on your site look fantastic. I am going to start with the base gravy but I was wondering about the difference in oil between the video and the written recipes. In the video you use 750 ml whereas in the written version only 250 ml. Is the increased amount to allow for skimming seasoned oil from the top to be used later?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Peter
Exactly! You could make the base sauce with less oil but I like having the seasoned oil on hand.
Thanks,
Dan
Nick says
Hi Dan, Just made the base last night, which was as you say nice and easy,and ended up with 4 lots of 750 ml portions, looking at one of the comments above you say it should make 8 portions. Should I have added more water?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Nick
It's really just approximate. It depends a lot on how hot your pan is when cooking. The base sauce should be about the same consistency as full fat milk. If yours wasn't then more water was needed.
Thanks,
Dan
Michael Hoyle says
Hi Dan,
Just found your website, my wife and I have been making curries for a few years now but none of them have given us the taste we love from our favourite restaurants.
Reading through your recipes and the comments it would seem I've found curry nirvana. So I'll be starting with a batch of basic sauce tomorrow and it looks like your books will be on my Christmas list this year.
Now the question:
I'm not a fan of many of the veg oils and ghee after reading (probably too much) about them, so I've been using (so far successfully) what I believe to be the healthier option of cold pressed coconut oil in many of my recipes.
Have you ever used or would you use, coconut oil as a replacement for the fats in your recipes, I'd be interested in your opinion.
Thanks
Mick.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Michael
Thanks for stopping by. The debate is still out about whether coconut oil is good for you or not. One nutritionist will say no and another yes. I use rapeseed oil as I personally believe it is the best out there but I also like to use coconut oil from time to time especially with southern Indian cooking.
Thanks,
Dan
David Smith says
Hi Dan,
I made a batch of your base sauce and I think something went wrong. I followed your recipe to a T (from the video) and everything looked correct. The base tastes mostly bland which is what I expected. However, there is also a very bitter taste that seems to permeate any other curry I make with the base, making the sauce quite unpleasant. I’m looking for ideas as to what may have gone wrong. I’ll have to throw this batch out and start again..
Any ideas?
Thank you
Dan Toombs says
Hi David
The base sauce shouldn't be bitter at all! Did you roast your spices. If you burnt the cumin it can become bitter. Another ingredient that might be making it bitter for you is the fenugreek. Try making the base without fenugreek next time and see if that helps. Some people find it very bitter.
Thanks,
Dan
Jeremy says
Made the Chicken Madras today, first attempt at making a bir style curry. The result was easily on a par with my favourite local curry House, thanks for sharing the knowledge !
Dan Toombs says
Great to hear Jeremy. Thank you very much.
Dan
SIMON says
Hi there,
Going to give this a try tomorrow.
Can you help ?
I am making this to accommodate say 50 servings for a buffet so can you recommend advice for upscaling ?
Many thanks
Dan Toombs says
Hi Simon - Sorry for the late reply. I very behind at the moment. Hope you got it sorted. You can easily double, triple etc. the recipe. Hope it went well.
Dan
Chris says
Hi Dan,
Just bought your book on amazon . For the base curry sauce (new version) you say to freeze it in batches and when making a curry it will need to be doubled with water for the right texture.
So in your curry recipes where you say for example to add 500ml base curry sauce - at should i be adding this plus another 500ml water, or should i be adding 250ml base sauce plus 250ml water?
Chris
Dan Toombs says
Hi Chris
Thanks for buying my book. You add the diluted sauce to curries. If I am freezing the base sauce, I don't add water or stock. I just freeze the thicker sauce to save freezer space. The sauce you add to the curries should be watered down with water or stock so that it is the same consistency as full fat milk. It reduces down quickly.
Hope this helps.
Thanks,
Dan
Matt says
Hi Dan, I've done two of your recipes twice now (chicken tikka and rogan josh) with great results. However, in both runs this base sauce has come out quite lumpy and viscous, even after a significant blitz in the food processor. Is there something I can do to get a smoother texture? (PS the star rating system on my browser doesnt seem to work- so 5stars!!)
Dan Toombs says
Thanks Matt - It's really down to how long you blitz and how good your blender is. It shouldn't be lumpy at all so blend it longer. With my old blender, I blended for about four minutes. With my new blender - a smoothy version - it takes about 30 seconds.
Thanks,
Dan
Mick says
Video says 750ml oil but recipe calls for 250ml? Which is the correct amount thanks.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Mick
They are both right. In the video, I used a lot and then skimmed it off to use as seasoned oil for my curries and other dishes. In the written recipe, I just used less because I didn't have time to do all that skimming.
Hope this helps.
Dan
Mike Parr says
Dear Dan, well your blog is certainly a pleasant place to visit. I have just finished making the small batch curry base . I have not even used any of it yet and realized I couldn't live any longer without buying a copy of your book. I plan on having "Date night with Dan" at least once a week... Very grateful for all of the hard work you put into this.
Best wishes
Mike in Ottawa, Canada.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Mike
That's great to hear! Thank you very much.
Dan
Kam says
Hi Dan
Recipe looks great - how does this go from base curry sauce to a madras?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Kam
Thanks. Look at the introduction to the recipe. There is a link to my Madras recipe which uses the base sauce.
Thanks,
Dan
Johnny C says
I used to make batches of base gravy in a similar way, using Pat Chapman's recipe. I seem to remember his used mustard oil. It had a quite unpleasant taste when freshly cooked, but after a week in the freezer it transformed to a declicious base. I used to pour it into ice cube trays to freeze, then add 2 cubes per person for a curry.
Sadly, after I blitzed it in a blender without the lid and had to repaint the kitchen wall, I got banned from making it.,
Dan Toombs says
Bad luck. I think my wife would ban me from the kitchen if I did that too! I like the mustard oil idea. Never seen that done at any of the restaurants I have gone too but they do use a lot of mustard oil in different curries.
Stephanie says
How would I make coconut curry from the base sauce? Just add coconut milk or cream? What is your suggestion or recipe. It's my favorite Indian restaurant dish. Now that I moved away from LA I can't go to the Clay Oven on Ventura Blvd .... so making a big batch of sauce is an awesome solution. I'm so excited to make this. I've tried other recipes but they haven't hit the spot.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Stephanie
Thanks for getting in touch. I recommend trying the chicken korma. There is a link to it on my home page. It is mild. I like my curries a bit spicier so I add fresh chillies to taste.
Thanks,
Dan
Stephanie says
Hi Dan,
I made the curry base last night and then the chicken Korma you recommended and I love it. Thank you so much. I have three portions of base in the freezer sand two to try another recipe tonight! I would like to buy one of your books and have the red book in my Amazon cart. Do one of your cookbooks have a Chicken Coconut Curry recipe?
Thank you again.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Stephanie
Thank you very much. There is a chicken korma in the red book. The mild curry house version. At home, I add chillies to it as I like my curries spicier. The great thing about the recipes in the books is that they really can be used as guides. If it sounds like coconut milk will be nice in it, add some. 🙂
Thanks,
Dan
Steve says
You have tablespoons of spices, you mean teaspoons right ?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Steve
Go for teaspoons if you like. I use tablespoons but all of my recipes should be done to taste. Use them as guides.
Thanks,
Dan
Stephanie says
This recipe is a huge batch and tablespoons make sense... if you use teaspoons the flavor will be weak in my opinion.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Stephanie
Great you have adapted the recipe to your own tastes. Go for it.
Thanks,
Dan
Shaun says
Hi dan, I am going to attempt to make your sauce and the garlic chilli chicken today, I’m looking forward to it, I am wondering if chicken Balti can be made with your base sauce? And if so do you have a recipe for balti? Thanks!
Dan Toombs says
Hi Shaun
Thank you. Halve the recipe and cook it in a really hot authentic Balti bowl. Voila, you have the Balti version. So you can use the base sauce for a Balti. Baltis are drying curries so that you can scoop the up with naans. So reduce it down to your desired consistency. Hope this helps. Dan
Gene says
Hi Dan
I’ve made your base, and want to try it with Crab. What variation would best work, as I can’t find a direct link to seafood or crab.
Thanks!
Gene
Dan Toombs says
Hi Gene
Use the base sauce to make any of the curry house sauces but rather than adding any of the ingredients suggested use crab instaed.
If it sounds good it will be 🙂
Thanks
Dan
Linda says
I would Make the meatversion on one day and the next day the veggie with papadums or chickpea-salade.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Linda
Sounds like a great plan. Thanks,
Dan
mandi delaney says
so far with the base curry sauce i have made chicken tikka masala, jalfezi, balti and dansak and absolutely love them all and i cant wait to try the chicken chilli and garlic tomorrow!
Dan Toombs says
Hi Mandi
That's great to hear. Thank you very much. I'm really happy you are enjoying the recipes.
Thanks,
Dan
Steve says
Great recipe and tried it for the first time last week for family in lockdown. @thecurryguy
Dan Toombs says
Hi Steve
That's great, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks
Dan
paul says
Hi Dan,
I'm just knocking up a beef Sri Lankan stylie curry from last weeks Roast beef .
I followed a recipe (not ours - sorry - yet! which added a litre of water.
This seems really bland - and i just found your base recipe.
I'm assuming I would swap your curry base sauce and swap it in got the water - to create even more taste.
Wish I'd made this 30 mionutes ago.
Cheers
Paul
Dan Toombs says
Hi Paul
Thanks for the message and yes I would suggest using my base curry sauce instead of water to give it more flavour.
Dan
kai says
How much does this make?
Dan Toombs says
Hi
This makes very approximately 3 litres of curry base sauce.
Thanks
Dan
weiße Küchenmischbatterie says
exciting blog. I will follow you.
Dan Toombs says
Hi
Thanks very much.
Dan
Louise says
Just made this, I bought your book , have to say, it’s perfect! Thank you for sharing these great recipes. I’m about to cook some chicken tikka next which I’ve made once before, and it’s fantastic! Cheers!
Dan Toombs says
Hi Louise
Thanks very much for your support.
Dan
gullkran með útdráttarslöngu says
It turns out that what I have been looking for so far is in this paper, I am very happy to find several articles on this blog, I am interested in your sentence above, very opinion building in my opinion, why? because you wrote it in language that is easy to understand.. I like the way you describe it. Perfect!
Dan Toombs says
Thanks very much, good to hear.
Thanks
Dan
schwarzes Becken says
I found something new on this website, some of my opinions agree with that, I just want to ask for one brief opinion or tips on the article or a few sentences above and I'm sure you are more skilled in making concise conclusions and concise for that.. I found good posts here. I love the way you write. So perfect!
Dan Toombs says
Thanks very much for the kind words.
Dan
messing zeepdispenser says
Your information is very interesting. Thank you for sharing
Dan Toombs says
Good to hear.
Thanks
Dan
Dan Toombs says
Great to hear.
Thanks very much
Dan
tyron says
Just made the base sauce smells and tastes great
Dan Toombs says
Hi
Great to hear, hope you enjoyed it.
Dan
Benjamin Jameson says
Hi,
I was just wondering why the turmeric is added after the blending process unlike the other spices?
I used this recipe for a jalfrezi and it was the best curry I ever made. Thank you.
Dan Toombs says
You can add the turmeric with the other spices if you like. As it is quite powerful I often add it at the end to taste so you don't overpower the sauce with it.
Thanks
Dan
Lauren says
THANK YOU! I’ve been trying to make restaurant style curry for over 10 years and finally succeeded after trying your recipes tonight.
I was wondering if many of the recipes in your Veggie book use this base?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Lauren
A few of the recipes in my veggie book use the base sauce but many don't.
Thanks
Dan
Tony says
Finally, Just give this a go, I did the Korma and Madras for first time, did chicken in stock that is listed ( defo recommend ) the end result was amazing, do not think to much into it Just follow guide the only thing I would say is dont be afraid to add water or stock, when you make your curry in the final steps it will thicken as it reduces, defo going to buy books and try out more recipes... BIG Thank you been trying years to get this right amd now I finally have..
Dan Toombs says
Great to hear, thanks very much.
Dan
Mick Eastley says
Hi Dan, if have a moment perhaps you can enlighten me, I read somewhere on the site you said you had produced this base sauce in a vitamix blender, how? I used your packet mix last weekend to make a Chicken Korma, my family want much more of so need to get the sauce made the proper way! Any thoughts? Your books are an absolute treasure, after the Thai adventure, how about taking a look at Nepal?
Dan Toombs says
If you look at my Instagram page - The Curry Guy and go to my stories at the top you will see how I make the base sauce in the Vitamix, it certainly makes things very easy!
I am really glad you are enjoying my books and yes one day I would love to go to Nepal.
Thanks
Dan
Rob Greenfield says
Hi Dan.
just ordered your book from amazon so looking forward to making some currys from your recipes.
Just one thing. I couldn't get fenugreek powder for the base curry sauce.
can I sub for dried leaf?? If so what quantity would you suggest to replace 1 tbsp in recipe?
(I've read powder is much stronger then leaf)
rgds
Rob
Dan Toombs says
Yes, That would be fine. Add 1 tspn then add more to taste if necessary.
Thanks
Dan
Vanitha Francis says
What is the point of using cabbage and carrots. Here in india , when we make it from scratch there is no cabbage or carrots. Will it not change the flavor. Thank you.
Dan Toombs says
It doesn't change the flavour but leave those 2 ingredients out if you don't like the sound of it.
Thanks
Dan
Arran says
Hi all, do we know if this base would last if stored in a hot preserving jar and sealed? Or does is really need to be frozen?
Cheers
Arran
Dan Toombs says
Hi
I am afraid I have never tried that so can't really advise.
Thanks
Dan
Natalie says
Hi dan! I've just stumbled across your blog and your book! Thank you for all of this inside information!
My only question is, if I'm leaving out the ghee, would you add the turmeric when you add the other dried spices or leave it out completely? Also, can I halve this recipe to make a smaller amount? I don't think I have a saucepan big enough! 😂 Thank you!
Dan Toombs says
Yes, add the turmeric with the other dried spices. It is also fine to halve the recipe to make less.
Thanks
Dan
Peter Levene says
Hi Dan
I have read that Indian recipes usually use red onions. The onions you use appear to be ordinary brown ones. Could you advise please?
Great recipes though!
Dan Toombs says
I use white onions and the restaurants I visited used white ones but if you prefer to use red that would work too I'm sure.
Thanks
Dan
Anthony Osude says
This is one I'm going to try this weekend. Thanks for sharing.
Dan Toombs says
Thanks very much, great to hear!
Dan
Mark Rooker says
What is the finish batch size of the curry sauce?
Dan Toombs says
It is hard to be precise as it depends on the size of the vegetables you use and how much it boils down. I would estimate you should have approximately 2 - 3 litres before you dilute it.
Thanks
Dan
jack dangerz says
Just wanted to say thank you! I made your pork vindaloo recipe. I had my first great vindaloo 20 years ago when I visited London, and have been searching for that flavour ever since. You nailed it! So a heartfelt thank you, and I look forward to trying more of your recipes. I will highly recommend you to anyone who will listen!
Dan Toombs says
Thank you so much, all great to hear.
Dan
Tom says
Hi Dan,
Sorry if this is obvious but please could you clarify when in the process you should skim the oil (if using the 750ml version)?
Is it still possible to skim it off after the base sauce has been fully blended? I blended before skimming and now am fearing I have got a very oily and unrecoverable sauce.
Many thanks!
Dan Toombs says
It is better to skim before blending but you should be able to get some more of the oil skimmed off when you re-heat after blending.
Thanks
Dan
Ewan says
If you're on the fence about whether or not to make this... DO IT! I started mid-afternoon today with this base sauce, and also made the pre-cooked chicken. I just now assembled it and a few other ingredients into a Chicken Jalfrezi. INCREDIBLE. No other British Indian recipe I've tried comes close. And now I have around 12 more cups of base to use, along with several more servings of chicken.
Where I live there are no BIRs, but now I can eat jalfrezi and naan at home!
Dan Toombs says
Thanks very much, great to hear.
Dan
Nicolas says
Hi Dan!
I had indian at a friend's place he made using your base curry sauce. My question is when you get to a recipe, is the amount called for in the recipe the diluted total amount (base+stock) or is it the base sauce, to which you then add stock to dilute and add to your recipe?
I'm loving this and I want to do it correctly.
Dan Toombs says
The amount called for is diluted base stock.
Thanks very much.
Dan
Sam says
Hi Dan!
If I was going to make a simple chicken curry for about 50-60 people at home conditions, would you recommend making the base sauce and chicken separately and then mix or just make it from scratch?
Thanks a lot🙂
Dan Toombs says
Hi Sam
I would make the base sauce then use for whatever curry you choose.
Thanks
Dan
Dules says
How many people would the quantities in this recipe serve please?
Dan Toombs says
I don't give exact portions but if you freeze it in 300 ml batches in its undiluted form that will easily suffice for my recipes for 4 people. Once it is defrosted add 300 ml of water to dilute so that will give you 600 ml of base sauce.
Thanks very much
Dan
John says
I like to have curry sauce on hand too. I've been buying S & W garbanzo beans in Indian curry sauce and add 2 table spoons of this to my veggen/fruit salad with ranch dressing and w spoons of greek yogurt low fat tasted in a bowel before adding chopped walnuts. However, the S&W garbanzo beans are hard to find now, so I will learn to make my own. Delicious!
Caroline Toombs says
All great to hear!
Thanks very much.
Dan
Richard A Ford says
Tried this... Spot on... I made 4-portions used one, froze 4... I used one to make a chicken/veg tikka ... Really good...like a real curry!
Caroline Toombs says
Thanks very much for letting me know, really good to hear.
Dan
Anthony Sutherland says
Hi can this curry base be used when making a fish curry or would you advise just for meat ?
Dan Toombs says
Yes, you could certainly use fish in the base sauce recipes.
Dan
lisa says
Hi Dan
A few years back there was a base you made when it was finished you was left with 700ml at the end i really like this base where can i get a copy the receipe by far made the best vindaloo with it
Thanks
Dan Toombs says
Here is my base sauce recipe
https://greatcurryrecipes.net/2013/12/31/make-indian-restaurant-style-curry-sauce-large-batch/
Mohammed says
Is fenugreek powder fenugreek seed or the leaf?
Dan Toombs says
I use fenugreek leaves.
Thanks very much.
Dan
Sarah says
Hi Dan,
I’m confused about the watering down stage - how do I know how many grams of base sauce I need and how many ml of water to get it right?
It would help to know how many grams to freeze in a portion as well.
Thanks!
Sarah
Dan Toombs says
I suggest doubling the base sauce you’ve made using water. Freeze it before you’ve added the water to save freezer space.
I freeze in 750 ml portions which is more than enough for a few curries.
Thanks
Dan
Vyom overseas says
This was a really wonderful post. Thank you for providing this info.
Dan Toombs says
Thanks very much for letting me know.
Dan
Jessi says
How many portions/cups does this recipe make?
Dan Toombs says
It’s hard to say as it depends what curries you are making. I suggest freezing it in 750 ml portions and each one of those should easily be enough for a 4 person curry.
Thanks
Dan
Magene says
Superb! After years and years trying to perfect Indian curries I have found the answer - "It's All About That Base, 'Bout That Base, No Trouble". A lot of reading OK, a lot of ingredients OK. Set to - had everything in store except fenugreek so I threw a slug of Sambuca in :). I held off on the ghee and used veg oil - I like the texture of ghee but not the taste. And, due to the current energy prices I did it all in the microwave. Then followed the recipe for Korma and oh my word - what an absolute delight. I could tell while cooking it was gonna be good by the colour, texture and aroma - restaurant taste and quality - just divine. I used one large ladle of the base and it was, I'd say, enough for two people or one (me) greedy person. Froze ladle sized scoops in silicone cup cases and then transferred to ziplock plastic bag. Next fave to try is Bhuna - can't wait. Soz for the long post but needs must. You, Mr Curry Guy, are a genius and I thank you x.
Dan Toombs says
Thank you so much, really appreciated.
Dan
Craig says
Hello, newbie here. Great read. Just wondering if I was to make one of the curries for let's say 8 of my friends what would I times(*) the ingredients by to be able to still have that great taste.
Dan Toombs says
Just multiply accordingly but be careful with any hot, spicy ingredients. Add those gradually to taste.
Thanks very much.
Dan
Todd Matheson says
I was looking for a spicy, flavorful sauce that you can pull out, pour onto spaghetti squash and enjoy. Is this just a base waiting to be added to a flavored dish to create an incredible curry dish, because this is bland. I added 15ml of each spice. It is not tasty on its own. I'll have to revert to another recipes spice ingredients and add that to doctor up the huge batch I made.
Dan Toombs says
The base sauce does not have much flavour as it is just that, a base of all my BIR curries. The magic happens when you add all of the other ingredients, appropriate to each recipe. It certainly will not work as a sauce on its own.
Thanks
Dan
Carolann says
Hi, I make traditional curries usually but find they often lack depth of flavour no matter how many spices I use. My spices are not old. Then I heard if you add spices at the begining of a long slow cook, the spices will diminish in flavour due to long cooking. Is this true and shoul I add spices towards the end of cooking. P.s. I do also make and love your gravy method
Dan Toombs says
The gravy should not have too much flavour as it should be used as a base to my BIR curries. Each curry has its unique flavour if you follows my recipes and most of the spices are added towards the end of my individual curry recipes.
Thanks
Dan
Helena says
Wow, this was delicious, smooth, and creamy! I had no idea curry is a vegetable soup with Indian spices. I mixed three cups of the curry base with a tin of coconut cream to make a scrumptious chicken curry. Thank you for the recipe, Dan!
Dan Toombs says
Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed.
Dan
Toni says
I'm almost ready to give the base curry sauce a go but can you tell me roughly how many garlic cloves and fresh ginger should I use to make the 9 tablespoons of the paste?
Dan Toombs says
Hi Toni
It's 'roughly' two heads of garlic and the same amount of ginger. Hope this helps. It isn't an exact science. You will be adding more garlic and ginger when you make the different curries.
Thanks,
Dan
Tom says
I made this for your garlic chicken curry recipe and it was delicious and an inspired idea! Looking forward to many more curries to come.
One thing that would have helped me was a more concrete idea of how much to dilute it by. For example, mix 1/3 curry sauce with 2/3 water (which is roughly what I did and it worked out well). This would help when working out what quantity to freeze it in especially!
Dan Toombs says
Thank you, glad it all worked for you.
Dan
Chris says
Hi Dan,
This recipe looks great.
One question - is it 9 table spoons of garlic paste and 9 table spoons of ginger paste?
Or 4.5 / 4.5?
Thanks
Chris.
Dan Toombs says
It’s 9 tablespoons of combined garlic and ginger paste.
Thanks
Dan
Scott says
Hi there going to make this as my first curry for the family, I can’t see where it says how much this base sauce makes? As I need to make enough for 5 then use the base for a masala, any help appreciated!
Dan Toombs says
I don’t state an exact quantity but there will easily be enough for what you want to do. Dilute the finished base sauce with water when you’re ready to make each curry so it is the approximate consistency of full fat milk.
You can also freeze it, 200 ml in each bag then once you dilute it this will be more than enough for one curry.
Stephen Votadini says
Hi Dan.
I used to make a similar version of this in my 20’s (I’m now in my 60’s) using a book by Pat Chapman called Favourite Indian Restaurant Curries. I think I’ll pick up the mantle again and try your version, it sounds very appealing.
Dan Toombs says
Yes Pat Chapman was innovative in his day. Hope you enjoy my version.
Thanks
Dan
James says
Hi Dan.. First off thanks so much for sharing all your knowledge and experience. Diving in head first and loving it!
Just one question regarding the base sauce.. if I have only six large onions do I leave everything else as is or should I scale all the other ingredients down accordingly?
Many thanks,
James
Dan Toombs says
Just leave as is, the recipe is not an exact science. it’s fine to use what you have.
Thanks very much.
Dan
Angelina says
How many cups of base does this recipe make?
Dan Toombs says
This should make approximately 2 litres of it.
Thanks
Dan
Helen Heath says
This has transformed my life! I love cooking curries and always cook from scratch but despite tasking good, they have never tasted amazing. Your base sauce and accompanying recipes have changed that. I wasn’t sure that the base sauce would be worth the effort but since making once I haven’t looked back. I have made it several times and freeze it I in many batches and making an amazing tasting curry has never been so easy. I love it! Your recipes are simply wonderful. Thank you.
Dan Toombs says
Thank you so much, all good to hear.
Dan